Updated: May 23, 2024

Can LASIK Cure My Astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can often correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision. LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to correct these irregularities, thereby improving vision.

Here is LASIK Surgeon, Dr. Christopher McCurry to explain what astigmatism is and how LASIK can correct astigmatism.

Do you experience blurry or distorted vision, especially at night or when looking at faraway objects? If so, you might have astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what exactly is it, and how can it be treated?

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that affects how your eyes focus light. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, the cornea or lens is more oval-shaped, resembling a football. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism – is the result of the cornea (the front of the eye) becoming more of an asymmetrical shape instead of its normally round curve. During the LASIK procedure, a LasikPlus surgeon uses a special laser that’s programmed to reshape the cornea to be more spherical, correcting the way that it will bend and focus light.

Types of Astigmatism

Astigmatism can be classified into two main types based on its location:

1. Corneal Astigmatism: This type occurs when the cornea is misshapen. It is the most common form of astigmatism.
2. Lenticular Astigmatism: This type occurs when the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape.

Astigmatism can also be categorized by how the irregular shape of the cornea or lens affects vision:

1. Regular Astigmatism: The principal meridians (the steepest and flattest parts of the cornea) are perpendicular to each other. This type is the most common and can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
2. Irregular Astigmatism: The principal meridians are not perpendicular. This type is less common and usually results from an injury, surgery, or an eye condition like keratoconus. It often requires specialized contact lenses or other treatments.

Symptoms of Astigmatism

The symptoms of astigmatism can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Squinting

Many people with mild astigmatism may not notice any symptoms, while those with more significant astigmatism may experience considerable vision problems that impact their daily activities.

Causes of Astigmatism

Astigmatism is often hereditary, meaning it can be passed down from parents to children. It can also develop after an eye injury, eye surgery, or as a result of other eye conditions. Contrary to popular belief, astigmatism is not caused or worsened by reading in low light or sitting too close to the television.

Does LASIK Work for Astigmatism?

The short answer is: yes! LASIK surgery is considered one of the best ways of permanently and effectively treating astigmatism.

Tailored to address the issues related to astigmatism, LASIK surgery provides the opportunity to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts.

Are There Types of Astigmatism that LASIK Can’t Fix?

Most patients who are good candidates for LASIK will be able to proceed with laser eye surgery for astigmatism. But while most types of astigmatism can be easily treated with LASIK surgery, there are a few that cannot. For example, irregular astigmatism may not be able to be corrected by LASIK.

During your free 60-90 minute consultation, a qualified LASIK specialist will determine if you’re a candidate for laser vision correction, depending on your type of astigmatism.

Will Your Insurance Cover the Cost of LASIK for Astigmatism?

Insurance companies consider LASIK for astigmatism an “elective treatment,” no matter how necessary the procedure is.

But don’t lose hope! LasikPlus offers LASIK discounts through most insurance & vision plans. Head over to our Insurance Plans page to see if your provider is listed.

Our financial coordinator will be able to help you during your free LASIK examination, to check your insurance to determine which discount you may be able to apply, and can assist in filing the claim on our behalf if an allowance pertains.

After Getting LASIK for my Astigmatism, How Long Will it Take to Recover?

While most of the patients who get LASIK for astigmatism notice a difference right away, it usually takes your eyes about three to six months to fully recover and heal.

To ensure that you make a safe and full recovery, and to prevent any unforeseen complications, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-LASIK instructions as close as possible.

Even though there are types of astigmatism that LASIK can’t treat, you always have options- and the team at LasikPlus is here to help! Call us today (877) 679-4937 to talk with a licensed professional and see if LASIK is the right choice for you.